Immigrant Parents Have a Steep Learning Curve

Immigrants living in the United States have a lot to learn when they first arrive. Parents must learn how the school system works in the United States so that they can ensure their children are successful. There are often cultural differences as well as language barriers, which make it difficult to adapt. An organization in Rhode Island helps immigrant parents navigate the school system by providing classes that are translated into several languages. Listen to hear what kinds of challenges immigrant parents face.

Related Current Events

New research shows that black students in kindergarten through high school are almost four times as likely to be suspended from school than white students. Some people think that suspension should not be allowed in preschool at all. One reason given for the higher levels of discipline of black, male students is implicit bias. Specialists say that with more funding for public education, preschool teachers can receive better training, and more support to avoid resorting to suspension. Listen to the story to hear about one school that is making an effort to help disruptive students, rather than kick them out.

Teenagers from low-income, immigrant families must overcome challenges in order to graduate from high school. For many new immigrants, work and family can become difficult to balance. These students often work to help support their families, which can take priority over schoolwork. One high school senior has been able to find success despite some difficult circumstances. She helps her family earn money, plays the viola, and is on track to graduate high school. Listen to her story about defying the odds.

Studies show each year fewer and fewer Latino households speak Spanish at home in the U.S. In an effort to assimilate, some immigrant parents haven’t passed on their language to their children. But now some second-generation parents are trying to teach their heritage language to their children, but it isn’t easy. Listen to hear more about second-generation Spanish speakers in the U.S.

Many immigrants came to the United States years ago when immigration laws made it easier for people from non-European countries to arrive. This story looks back on the journey of one family who left Bolivia when conditions became intolerable and settled in America. The father spent most of his free time in the library, learning English and reading repair manuals. By teaching himself new skills he was able to take on small jobs, move his family out of poverty and get a start on the American dream by buying a house. Listen to hear more about one legal immigrant’s journey.

Language Challenge Level

These levels of listening complexity can help teachers choose stories for their students. The levels do not relate to the content of the story, but to the complexity of the vocabulary, sentence structure and language in the audio story.

NOTE: Listenwise stories are intended for students in grades 5-12 and for English learners with intermediate language skills or higher.

Low

These stories are easier to understand and are a good starting point for everyone.

Medium

These stories have an average language challenge for students and can be scaffolded for English learners.

High

These stories have challenging vocabulary and complex language structure.